LSG vs CSK Review: Openers steer Lucknow’s chase

Chennai Super Kings took on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. After LSG won the toss and opted to bowl first, Rachin Ravindra got dismissed on the first ball to give the home team a dream start. Ajinkya Rahane (36 off 24) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (17 off 13) tried stabilizing things but Ravindra Jadeja (57* off 40) was the lone batter to score a half-century for his side. Shivam Dube (3 off 8) and Sameer Rizvi (1 off 5) departed early while Moeen Ali (30 off 20) played a crucial cameo. MS Dhoni’s (28* off 9) final over assault provided CSK a respectable total of 176/6.

LSG openers KL Rahul (82 off 53) and Quinton de Kock (54 off 43) looked focused from the start, as they dealt in boundaries and never allowed the CSK bowlers to get into the game. They stitched a 134-run stand, the highest-ever opening partnership for any team in IPL 2024. Nicholas Pooran (23* off 12) and Marcus Stoinis (8 off 7) wasted no time and dealt in boundaries as LSG outclassed CSK by eight wickets.

Top Performers of the Match

KL Rahul (82 off 53)

KL Rahul showed some great intent on a track where the ball was gripping. He smashed timely boundaries and kept the scoreboard ticking at a decent run rate. The opener shifted his gear in the middle overs and CSK bowlers had no answer to his class innings. He smashed nine boundaries and three sixes in his match-winning knock.

Krunal Pandya (2 for 16)

Krunal Pandya bowled right at the stumps and maintained the same line throughout the innings. He dismissed the set batter Rahane and broke the partnership between the latter and Jadeja. He then picked Rizvi who looked to up the ante and nullified CSK’s impact player tactic. Surprisingly he was given just three overs.

What’s next for both teams?

Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants will clash in Match 39 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 23.